Animal breeds are a result of a group of animals that share common genetic traits passed down from their forefathers. The quality of the breed is a crucial factor that determines the productivity and efficiency of animal production. High-quality breeds possess advantageous characteristics such as high fertility rate, high milk or meat production, and a strong immunity against diseases. On the other hand, low-quality breeds have lower productivity, weaker resistance to diseases, and require more resources to maintain. Implementing good breeding practices such as genetic selection and the use of genetic testing and technology can enhance the quality of breeds and improve animal production.
There are breeds with low quality and high quality, each of which has specific properties as follows:
The impact of low quality breeds on animal production.
Low-quality animal breeds have a poor production rate of meat, milk, eggs and other animal products. These breeds are not suitable for large-scale commercial animal production as they are not productive enough and are only appropriate for personal consumption. Additionally, low-quality breeds may carry undesired genetic traits, have low fertility rates, or poor growth rate which makes them less suitable for profitable animal production projects. These factors contribute to the classification of these breeds as low-quality breeds that are not suitable for commercial farming or breeding.
The impact of high quality breeds on animal production
High-quality animal breeds possess many desirable characteristics that make them suitable for commercial animal production. These breeds have high production output that leads to increased revenue for the farm or company. Factors that affect the quality of a breed include production efficiency, fertility efficiency, and growth rate. High-quality breeds are known to have high production efficiency in meat, milk and other products. For instance, Angus cattle breed is known for providing large amounts of meat, which makes it a popular choice among traders for its high-production efficiency. The Arkansa poultry breed is known for its high fertility efficiency, with annual egg production ranging between 150-200 eggs and is considered one of the best breeds in poultry. Furthermore, growth rate also plays a role in determining the quality of a breed, breeds that have high growth rates are considered high-quality breeds due to their large size, whereas slow-growing breeds may be considered low-quality.
Improving the quality of animal breeds using modern technology.
It's worth noting that the modern technology has enabled to improve the quality of animal breeds. This can be achieved through genetic selection, assisted reproductive technologies, and other modern methods such as the use of nuclear technology. This approach is much more effective as compared to the traditional approach of importing high-producing foreign breeds which often struggle to adapt to local environments and are more susceptible to diseases. With the use of modern technology, it's possible to produce animals with higher productivity while maintaining their ability to adapt to harsh environments. This helps in meeting the growing demand for various animal products, and it's seen as a more sustainable approach.